Wednesday, August 03, 2005
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
I had heard about this book for several years but never got around to reading it. In fact, I heard Manning speak at a conference about 10 years ago. He was a real small, unimpressive man and I thought he would be very boring. Boy, was I wrong. He was one of the most compelling, interesting and captivating speakers I've ever heard. He never raised his voice, motioned with his hands, or moved from behind the stand. It was his message that made such an impact.This book was the inspiration behind many of Rich Mullin's songs and even the title of one of his albums. It has influenced countless other writers and musicians.
Manning's basic premise is that God's grace and love are so overwhelming that it covers everything we can do to screw it up. We're all battered and beleaguered by this life, but God accepts us just like we are. Of course, he develops the themes more, but that is the short version (now you don't have to read the book!) Those who bristle at the thought of God's grace covering everything all the time without repentance turn grace into legalistic hoops to jump through and distort God's message of love.
The problem is with all this is that Manning's point is a great place to begin. Grace is the basis for our relationship, but it doesn't end there. Our relationship needs to progress through transformation, which is a point that Manning completely leaves out. For certain, we have a tendency to turn grace into legalism, but going to the extreme of never trying to live a better life for Jesus out of gratitude for our salvation is overcorrection.
Overall, this was a good book that was a great reminder to never take God's grace for granted. Just remember this is it only the beginning of the relationship.
Rating: Two Stars
